Psalm 47
READ PSALM 47. This book was authored by the Sons of Korah. It is a hymn celebrating God's enthronement as king of all nations. Psalm 47 is also grouped with other psalms that declare God's kingship, as stated in verse 7. Verse 6 says, "God has gone up with a shout" indicates that the psalm was written when King David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Mount Zion.
The psalmist describes a glorious kingdom. Pay attention to three important things in this short psalm.
1. Notice what and who God reigns over in verses 2-3 and 7-8.
2. Notice also who the redeemed are in verses 1, 4-6, and 9.
3. Notice what the instruction is for the redeemed in verses 1; 5-6.
Psalm 48
READ PSALM 48. This psalm was authored by the Sons of Korah. The psalmist praises the Lord for watching over the city of Jerusalem. It is "a celebration of the security of Zion." Verse 2 is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 5:35.
Notice the things God does for Jerusalem. Then notice the things Jerusalem does for God.
Psalm 49
READ PSALM 49. This psalm was authored by the Sons of Korah after recognizing their father's greed for wealth as the root of his downfall, and to teach that the purpose of one's life on earth is to enhance spiritual development and to prepare for the world to come.
The psalmist encourages the righteous not to fear or envy the prosperous wicked because eventually, they will die.
Notice what the psalmist tells the entire world to do.
Notice what the psalmist assures people what he will do.
Notice what the psalmist doesn't fear.
Psalm 50
READ PSALM 50. This psalm was authored by Asaph. The psalm can be divided into an introduction (verses 1-6), two separate orations in which God testifies against the Jews (verses 7-15 and 16-21), and a conclusion.
First Oration: God tells the people that He is not satisfied with material sacrifices alone, since He does not require food or drink. Instead, He desires His people to worship Him with thanksgiving and sincere prayer.
Second Oration: God warns against hypocrisy. Even though hypocrites often recite God's commandments, they inwardly hate them and make no effort to live by them, and God will surely judge them.
Conclusion: The psalm closes with a final warning against iniquity and a promise that God will bless the righteous and make them "drink deeply of the salvation of God."
Be able to answer these questions:
1. Who is the judge that will make an indictment against the people?
2. Who is summoned to appear before God to be judged?
3. What does God desire?
4. What does God despise?
5. What does God declare?
Psalm 51
READ PSALM 51. This is the only psalm authored by David in this group. It is one of the penitential psalms. It is David's confession based on his sin with Bathsheba that is recorded in 2 Samuel chapters 11 and 12. He asks for forgiveness, mercy, healing, and moral renewal.
Verse 19 suggests that God desires a "broken and contrite heart" more than He desires sacrificial offerings. Having a broken heart is a way to reconnect to God.
Notice the many things David requested God to do for him so he could get back in right relationship with God. Verse 4 is quoted in Romans 3:4.
Things to pay attention to in Psalm 51.
1. David's confession
2. Acknowledgment of the psalmist's sin
3. Three things David requests for his cleansing
4. Two things David wants
5. David's concern in verses 11 and 12
6. After God responds to the psalmist, what three things does David promise?
7. What is David confident about?
8. Why does David want the walls of the city to be rebuilt?
Try to memorize Psalm 51:10 and use it when you want a thorough cleansing.
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